When it comes to entry-level luxury autos, for years the BMW 3-Series has reigned supreme.

Armed with a closet full of accolades and kind words, it seemed like you would have to be an idiot to buy anything else for the same buck. These days though, the competition has turned up the heat, which has made BMW even more aggressive in its efforts.

This comes from a multitude of perspectives.

Now we have the 1-Series and 2-Series and legacy nameplates like the 3-Series have birthed the all-new 4-Series, which is essentially 3-Series coupe. But if you think that this vehicle follows in the footsteps of its predecessors you'd be mistaken. You'll find out below.

In addition, its styling has become more sleek as the car has gone a bit more upmarket. Although the nomenclature seems stupid, I think it actually allowed BMW to make a more aggressively designed coupe. My old 330Ci and even the last-gen E92 felt like it had the headroom of a cathedral when compared with the all-new 4.

Approaching the vehicle for the first time, it's hard to miss the three-dimensional grille and integrated headlights. It's a new touch that's starting to sweep across BMW's product portfolio. I like that BMW continues to keep the trademark kidney grilles interesting. My test vehicles, both equipped with the M Sport package looked particularly aggressive with the large, flanking air intakes in the front clip.

From the side profile you'll start to see the much sleeker roofline and strong shoulder line. Nothing wrong here. If you ask me, it reminds me of the also teutonic side profile of the 6-Series. While past products have always had a lot of greenhouse and been a bit bulbous, it's apparent BMW's cutting this down for style points. It earns them.

Around its back side there's the predictable LED L-shaped rear taillights and with the M Sport packs you get a glossy black rear valence that takes away the vehicle's visual heft.

Slipping behind the M Sport three-spoke steering wheel, there's not much to see here. If you've ever sat in an all-new 3-Series, you've sat in the 4-Series. Although I've heard a lot of chatter from folks that this interior is the best 3-Series interior yet, I just don't see it. I think people forgot how nicely designed the E46's interior was and the quality of materials — I assume they forgot because the E9x's interior was so bad it hurt.

Although my 428i and 435i testers were not equipped with navigation, all vehicles do feature an infotainment screen. If you spring for the navigation system I will say that I've grown to adore it. Once you get over understanding the hieroglyphics that appear on the map, it is a very functional, menu-based graphical user interface (GUI).

One thing BMW deserves props for not axing is the standard e-brake. While many others have gone the electronic route, the Bavarians still kept it simple in the 4-Series. I am sure many have applauded the company for keeping a manual transmission but if they axe that, it's sort of like taking the soul of the company away.

Remember how I mentioned the 4'ers more sleek design? While it may get a nod from a design perspective, it definitely hampers headroom, which has become a bit tighter. In addition, I am pretty confident that the seat was actually raised as the driving position feels much higher. While I don't mind the more intimate feel of the cockpit, I do mind a higher seat. What happened to the feeling of riding close to the ground it used to have?

As the vehicle has gotten a bit longer over time, rear seat legroom will allow you transport more than two torsos. Assuming you're not like me — and 6'8 — there's no reason why you can't travel with four adults.

While these are all critical elements to any vehicle you're thinking about leasing or purchasing, let's be serious: if you're looking at a BMW you probably are expecting a superior driving experience relative to the competition.

Well, I wouldn't get too hyped up, in all honesty.

As seen in the 3-Series' variations, you can have a 428i and a 435i. As of now there doesn't seem to be any plans for a 420i but you never know.

The 428i features the all-too familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor that's aided by a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Power is more than ample as it produces 240 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. or torque. On a long distance drive from Seattle to San Francisco I didn't feel any urge for more power when passing. It really is just right. Power is relatively linear though you do feel that turbo kick in just a bit.

On my long distance trip, I earned a high of 36 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg around town in the 428i.

Although the original 328i sedans had a bit of a Honda-ish sound to them at idle, it seems BMW worked to refine the 4'er at a stand still a bit. My experience with the 428's sound was that it actually isn't buzzy or annoying as you'll find in most four bangers. Is it my favorite choice of engine? Absolutely not; however, I will admit that if you're not bleeding oil in your veins you'll find it more than adequate with power delivery and in the acoustics department.

Where BMW deserves a pat on the back is for pairing the 428i with a fantastic eight-speed automatic transmission. While it's obviously not as quick as a dual-clutch 'box, it's easily one of the quickest shifting and "smart" transmissions I've driven. That's because unlike what you'll find from a lot of these seven-, eight- and nine-speed automatics is that they are constantly hunting for the right gear. It's excruciatingly annoying but this isn't a problem with the 4-Series.

Our 435i tester featured the much loved inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Though this engine is an award-winning mill for a variety of reasons, in this particular instance it seems as though BMW has tweaked it to be a bit more mature. In a conversation with a vendor, he convinced me that is the best way to put it — and he's right. That's because the motor isn't intrusive like the days of my E46 330Ci. Personally, I don't like this as it sounds a bit too quiet like an Audi. I want the car to make a bit of noise; however, I can understand why your Average Joe would want a more insulated experience.

The same thing — more or less — happened with the G37, which buyers complained about the burbly VQ six-cylinder. Now with the Q50, the formerly great sounding engine sounds neutered.

That's not all though. Perhaps I've been spoiled with far too many vehicles with over 500 horsepower but to me, my manual transmission 435i felt sort of winded and not all that fast when compared to the automatic 428i. This is due to the automatic being that good and the margin of power separating the two products closing.

After a week worth of driving, I chalked up about 21 mpg with a healthy mix of commuting to my office via the highway and around town motoring.

Although this is something Agent 001 and I have discussed before, I am starting to think it's become more relevant in this generation product — folks, you can skip the 435i. The smart buyer will look at the 428i and M4 only.

One of the biggest elements about buying a BMW is the steering. If you were hoping for a return to the good 'ol days, just punch out right now. While the steering is nicely weighted — it's a touch on the heavier side — and direct with your inputs, it is noticeably numbed out. This is the thing though, folks: ALL cars' steering racks have been given a shot of novocain.

Realistically, if you were to ask me how it would fair out against the likes of the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, I'd tell you it was the best. The next best steering set up is in the Infiniti G37 but that coupe is a relic when compared to the top players today. I heard they're giving buyers free sundials when you pick one up at your local dealer.

Another area where it's very apparent the 4-Series matured compared to the last-gen car is with its suspension. It seems that the tire companies sorted out the run-flat issue, which was a BIG problem in the E9x. And there is a much more perceptible difference when toggling between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus via the rocker switch on the center console. This is a HUGE win when compared to the E46 and E92 because with the E46 I drove I found myself AVOIDING roads during my daily driving, that's how painful the ride became after a bit. Depending how you optioned your E9x — and if it came with run flats — you could say the same thing.

After spending some time working the all-new 4-Series through the switchbacks, it becomes very clear that all of this maturation has added up to a simple end result: The 4-Series is not a sports car like the older 3-Series coupes. It's a grand tourer. Gone are the days of a smaller and more chuckable vehicle.

To me, that essentially sums up the 4-Series. It's climbed a number in the nomenclature and that wasn't necessarily by accident. The character of the vehicle has also become wiser with age.

The Good:

- The perfect design of the E46 was a tough act to follow, which is why I find the E9x generation so hateful — now the 4-Series design has come into its own and I think it looks like a baby 6-Series- Excellent motor/transmission combination in the 428i- If I were helping a friend, I'd tell them this was the best-in-class option

The Bad:

- On both the 428i and 435i, the sound from the motor/exhaust could use some tuning and dial UP the volume- Lacking drama when really driving the 4-Series hard — more of a GT feel, less of a sports car feel- If I were buying a car myself, I wouldn't pick up a 3/4-Series because it's a move that shows you're lacking imagination

The Lowdown:

- In previous generation 3-Series coupes, you were buying a sports car that was nimble, chuckable and was full of drama. These days the 4-Series coupe has matured as it has gotten bigger, more comfortable and less driver oriented. That's not necessarily a bad thing, just be aware. If you're looking for the 3-Series coupe experience, the 4-Series will not provide that. Look to the all-new 2-Series and upcoming M2. If you're in-market for a baby 6-Series though, the 4'er is exactly what you need.

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User Comments

I guess I am confused. You would say to a friend " that it is the Best In Class Option" , yet you wouldnt buy it as it shows lack of imagination. Yet you like the 6-series, then this is a great buy for you....

Yes, if anyone asked for buying advice I'd say the 4-Series is the best-in-breed car when put up against the likes of the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

What I said very clearly is that the 4-Series is a GT car that's NOT a sports car like the days of the E46. If you want a sports car you NOW have to look at an M235i, not the 4'er. The 6'er is a GT car as well. So, if you like the 6, you'll LOVE the 4.

@USNA Definitely the GTI. It's a lot less expensive and the base BMWs are softly tuned in the suspension so it's reflexes will not be as sharp. Lease the GTI for no longer than the warranty. It will have more issues than the BMW over the long haul. Do NOT get a DSG if you buy the GTI. VW will hand you a bill for $5K when the transmission fails and they do at an alarming rate.

@Agent00R Be that as it may, you avoided the question. The premise YOU put out there was not that you would avoid the segment, but that the BMW 3/4 shows a person has no imagination. So what vehicle in the segment shows personal imagination? Or is it your position that none of the cars in the segment shows a person's imagination?

The segment is nothing to write home about BUT most buyers with money to spend and looking to buy an entry-level luxury auto wind up with a BMW 3 or 4-Series in their garage. And, it's not because they love the car. It's a status symbol and a sign a young professional has "made it."

That's not a bad thing. That's great branding for BMW. For ME though, the car is not unique or special enough to get MY money. An S5 shows you're thinking at least a little different.

@Agent00R I agree on the S5. Most of my drive time is in a Kia Optima because I have access to quirky, fun, amazing cars. My most guilty pleasure is a TVR Sagaris, but I don't get track time in it as often as I'd like. I live in a semi-rural area that happens to have a road built like a freeway in the middle of nowhere so it's fun to take the Sagaris out and listen to its sounds. Every now and then I borrow a sweet 68 Shelby Mustang GT500KR and blast around in it.

My problem with so many cars is that they have been refined to the point of soullessness. I'd rather drive a live axle Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca around a track than an M3. I'd rather drive the Sagaris than a GTR and I have driven both the same day at the track. With the GTR you can feel the computer fixing your mistakes whereas the Sagaris rewards your skill.

Tangent yes, but I'd love to see the German dial out some of their refinement. I despise the Porsche 911, but if I had to drive one, I'd rather be in a friend's old 911T than a current 911. The new one is faster and safer to drive but--for me--it's a snooze fest. The old 911T will swap ends on you in a heartbeat but it is alive and visceral as opposed to polished and perfected.

If you could pick a car that excited you what would it be if not an S5?

Agent00R and Matt question for both of you, I am stuck between a 428i (manual) with sport package or GTI 2 door (not on market yet) lighting package and manual with the performance pack. But I am thinking like Agent00R, "Personally, I'd spend less and put the money away or in the market". Do you think the GTI will be a better option than the 4 series?BTW the car will be parked at the airport for most of the year.

The problem is the segment is now designed for the masses who do not value performance and handling. They want a smooth ride, a bunch of features and the logo from what the brand used to stand for so the can pretend to be enthusiasts. Hence the success of Lexus minus the logo part.

I'd go with the VW. I have to drive the all-new Golf GTI but I've heard only that it's a blast. Wait and drive it.

As I noted with Matt, I own a highly modified Golf I barely drive. But when I do, it's a blast and I have no regrets. I am a fiscal conservative, for me it's best to have my money working for me and not in a depreciating asset.

I wish BMW would stop using M Sport press cars with beige interiors and aluminum trim. It doesn't match, and it looks cheap. At least this one didn't have the God awful blue band around the bottom, not that the gloss black looks much better with the beige.

BMW, if you want to give out 4-Series press cars with beige interiors, give them wood trim. Or use Luxury Lines with the brown interiors and wood trim. Or, M Sport with oyster interior and wood trim. If you're going to use aluminum trim with your M Sport's, great, but the interior needs to be red or black. Remember these words, BMW, when the new C-class comes out and the mags start comparison testing and you get blown up for giving them a hideous interior combination. M Sport with oyster and wood and the leather dash option, mmm-kay?

I think this was a well-written and well-balanced review. However, I do see the contradiction in stating that this is the best in the segment, but if you buy it, it shows lack of imagination.

That being said, I've grown to like the exterior of this car and would consider going in for a purchase. BUT, that rental-car interior just might be a dealbreaker. Despite 00R's recommendation, I'd still go for the 435i and option it up, but I couldn't imagine spending about $60k for a car with an interior like that. At this point, I'll wait for the new C-Class coupe in a couple of years and/or the new A5/S5, whenever that's slated to come.

i like the review, but i cant ever imagine getting a -28i over a -35i ..even if the 28i is better balanced, i just cant take that i feel its under powered.. i do think the m235i is better than both, but the design looks worse.

Can't say enough about the 1/2 series as the true spirit of BMW. The 4 is just a GT that's too big/overweight to be recognizable as the successor of the original 3 series. Looking for a flingable new BMW, and settled on the 128i as the fun car I can push to its limit every day on my commute. The 4 and Z were both too heavy and lacked the care free attitude of the 1 series. Similarly, I expect the M2 to be the "better" sports car than the M4.

I resent the image of the 3/4 as a status symbol only. Although a huge percentage of sales are purchased for this reason, it's still a fabulous drivers car compared to it's current peers. I bought the best car I could afford that has a more refined ride quality and interior compared to the value choices (GTI/WRX). I also am not in my 20's or 30's so the car matches my position in life also.

I'm not telling customer/buyers to modify the car, but you should try to get a drive in a port installed 3/4 series with the optional M Performance suspension (RWD only). Rarely found at a dealer lot, it's still possible to order the M Performance parts at delivery. I'd love a drive in a M Performance 335/435 with the new LSD

I currently have the newer F30 328i RWD 6MT with the MPS and NON run flat tires (plus their MPerf exhaust). it really transforms the car to exceptionally good. About the same money as a 335i with standard suspension.

The chassis definitely is improved enough that the ride isn't ruined by BMW's sportiest suspension and adding non run flats definitely lessens the increased harshness from higher spring/shock rates.

I have driven the M235i and the combination engine note and mid range is fabulous, but the handling is actually softer than my current 3 series.

Thanks for the review...I am currently looking at the 428i or 435i Gran Coupe, so this information was helpful. I do mostly in town driving and would like to save a little bit of gas, and this will help.

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